Lyman .50 cal Great Plains pistol

[JakeGa]

I have been shooting my Lyman Great Plains pistol in .50 caliber a good bit lately, in between range trips with a percussion revolver. I have to say, the vast majority of recreational shooting I do these days is with some type of blackpowder firearm.
I decided to try my hand at making some paper cartridges for this pistol. These are simple in construction being made from hair rolling papers, a little glue and some cotton thread. You can actually reload fairly quickly with them. I simply tear the powder end off, pour the it down the barrel, and then stuff the rest of the paper and ball on top. Cap it and fire. Accuracy wasn't spectacular but we were easily hitting near center on a 3/4 steel silhouette at 20 or so yards.
With a .015 patch lubed with Ballistol, a .490 round ball and 30 grains of FFG it shoots very well. The photo of the gun and steel target was shot one handed at 20 yards for 5 rounds of the ball and patch load. I really need to fire it from a rest and see just how accurate it can be when held steady. 8 inch steel plates at 20 yards are also easily taken down with this gun.

 

[Walkabout]

I've made paper cartridges for my Plains pistol, as well. Also with shot charges.

 

[JakeGa]

Hi Walkabout, how well did the shot charges work?

 

[Walkabout]

Hi Walkabout, how well did the shot charges work?

It was adequate at maybe ten feet, IIRC. I'll probably try more experimenting this summer.

 

[springfield art]

I have been shooting my Lyman Great Plains pistol in .50 caliber a good bit lately, in between range trips with a percussion revolver. I have to say, the vast majority of recreational shooting I do these days is with some type of blackpowder firearm.
I decided to try my hand at making some paper cartridges for this pistol. These are simple in construction being made from hair rolling papers, a little glue and some cotton thread. You can actually reload fairly quickly with them. I simply tear the powder end off, pour the it down the barrel, and then stuff the rest of the paper and ball on top. Cap it and fire. Accuracy wasn't spectacular but we were easily hitting near center on a 3/4 steel silhouette at 20 or so yards.
With a .015 patch lubed with Ballistol, a .490 round ball and 30 grains of FFG it shoots very well. The photo of the gun and steel target was shot one handed at 20 yards for 5 rounds of the ball and patch load. I really need to fire it from a rest and see just how accurate it can be when held steady. 8 inch steel plates at 20 yards are also easily taken down with this gun.

Sounds like great fun! Double wide 'rolling papers' for "cigarettes" also work, I think? Are the hair salon papers thicker or stronger than tobacco rolling papers? Thanks.

 

[Mike in FL]

I've been wanting one but I know so little about. them. I think it would be great while out hunting with my GPR. Are the pretty much authentic as is? Do you load them just like a rifle with prb? What if you loaded it with say 50 grains?

 

[TDM]

It's great to experiment with something new like that. Good for you!

 

[Stantheman86]

I've made paper cartridges for my .54 Plains Pistol with .530 balls wrapped in .010 patches sized for .60-80 caliber. They load easy and accuracy may not be match grade but they shoot tight to 50 yards

 

[BigAl52]

I've been wanting one but I know so little about. them. I think it would be great while out hunting with my GPR. Are the pretty much authentic as is? Do you load them just like a rifle with prb? What if you loaded it with say 50 grains?

Yes the load just like a rifle does. But 50 grains in a 50 cal will be over what Lyman recommends. You also stand a chance of cracking the stock. 20 to 30 is a good load for all around shooting.

 

[springfield art]

I have been shooting my Lyman Great Plains pistol in .50 caliber a good bit lately, in between range trips with a percussion revolver. I have to say, the vast majority of recreational shooting I do these days is with some type of blackpowder firearm.
I decided to try my hand at making some paper cartridges for this pistol. These are simple in construction being made from hair rolling papers, a little glue and some cotton thread. You can actually reload fairly quickly with them. I simply tear the powder end off, pour the it down the barrel, and then stuff the rest of the paper and ball on top. Cap it and fire. Accuracy wasn't spectacular but we were easily hitting near center on a 3/4 steel silhouette at 20 or so yards.
With a .015 patch lubed with Ballistol, a .490 round ball and 30 grains of FFG it shoots very well. The photo of the gun and steel target was shot one handed at 20 yards for 5 rounds of the ball and patch load. I really need to fire it from a rest and see just how accurate it can be when held steady. 8 inch steel plates at 20 yards are also easily taken down with this gun.

These are interesting guns especially when guys customize them by making the more authentic looking.